IF IT’S FALSE, SAY SO: PRESSURE MOUNTS ON NAC COUNCIL MEMBERS OVER ALLEGED DEVICE PROCUREMENT

 

Questions Mount for the NAC as Calls Grow for Transparency From Council Members

The growing scrutiny around the National Arts Council (NAC) continues to raise difficult questions about governance, accountability and transparency within one of South Africa’s most important cultural institutions.

For several years, journalist Zama Nteyi has consistently reported on governance concerns, internal disputes and allegations surrounding the NAC and broader arts sector institutions. While her reporting has often attracted criticism and attempts to discredit her work, many of the issues she raised continue resurfacing publicly through disputes, investigations and concerns raised by artists and sector stakeholders. 

Recent discussions circulating within the sector have intensified further following claims regarding the alleged procurement of premium mobile devices for Council members and associated individuals. While the authenticity and context of the claims still require official confirmation from the NAC and implicated individuals, the matter has sparked widespread concern among arts practitioners who continue raising concerns about funding delays and governance instability.

Information currently circulating publicly alleges that the following individuals may have been linked to specific devices:

• Simon Clarke — Samsung S25 Silver Shadow 256GB

• Dr Laura de Harde — Samsung S25 Navy 256GB

• Queen Mononela-Mopeli — iPad Air M3 11-inch 256GB

• Zak Gordon — Samsung S25 Silver Shadow 256GB

• Twain Ngwenya — iPad Air M3 11-inch 256GB

• Vusi Leeuw — Samsung S25 Navy 256GB

• Pamela Ndlovu — iPhone 15 Black 128GB

• Michael Worsnip — iPhone 15 Black 128GB

• Themba Ndulini — iPhone 16 Black 128GB

• Jewel Mashao — iPhone 16 Black 128GB

• Adv Thobile Komazi — iPhone 16 Black 128GB

• Haroon Gunn-Salie — iPhone 16 Black 128GB

• Siphosethu Mtamzeli — iPhone 16 Black 128GB

• Charnie-Lee Adams-Kruger — iPhone 16 Black 128GB

• Lesiba Mothoa — iPhone 16 Black 128GB

• Dr Mkiva — Apple iPhone 17 Black 256GB

The alleged device list and procurement details are contained in a document currently circulating within public discourse around the NAC.

At this stage, it remains important to emphasise that the individuals named above have not publicly confirmed or denied the claims, and no findings of wrongdoing have been made against them.

However, in the interest of transparency and public accountability, the following questions now deserve clear responses from the NAC and the individuals implicated in the circulating allegations.

                        Image: Vincent Mashale 

Questions to the NAC

1. Did the NAC procure mobile devices for Council members or associated officials during the 2025/26 financial period?

2. If yes, what procurement policy authorised the expenditure?

3. What was the total cost implication to the institution?

4. Was a competitive procurement process followed?

5. Who approved the procurement?

6. Were the devices intended strictly for governance and operational work?

7. Were declarations of benefit or interest submitted?

8. Did the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture approve or have knowledge of the procurement?

9. Will the NAC publicly release documentation clarifying the matter?

   Image: Eugene Botha

Questions to the Individuals Named

The individuals named in the circulating allegations may wish to publicly clarify the following:

• Did you receive the device allegedly linked to your name?

• If yes, what was the purpose of the device?

• Was the allocation formally approved by Council processes?

• Are the claims circulating publicly inaccurate or misleading in any respect?

• If the information is false, which parts specifically are untrue?

• Are there records available that can conclusively clarify the matter?

These questions are necessary because the issue now extends beyond individual devices. It speaks directly to broader concerns around governance culture, accountability and public trust within arts institutions funded through taxpayer money.

The continued emergence of governance concerns also raises an important question about how journalism is treated within the sector. Rather than dismissing or attacking journalists who raise uncomfortable issues, institutions strengthen public confidence when they respond transparently and factually.

Whether every allegation ultimately proves accurate or not, the ongoing public concern demonstrates that the questions raised by Zama Nteyi’s reporting cannot simply be ignored.

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